Voters urged to be informed

The Scottish Secretary has urged voters to be well-informed about the referendum.

Voters in North-east Scotland have been urged to make sure they are well informed and make their voices heard, ahead of September’s crucial independence referendum.

Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael said that, with just 200 days to go, now is the time for everyone to get informed – and he warned that nobody could afford to be complacent.

He said: “The referendum is fast approaching and that means it’s time for everyone in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire to turn their attention to how they intend to vote.

“But this is not a decision to be taken lightly – we cannot afford to gamble with our nation’s future – so that means making an informed choice and to do that we all need to get the facts. There is a wealth of information out there already and I know there is much more to come.

“And nobody should think that this is not a decision that matters for them. Crucial decisions – like whether you keep the UK pound in your pocket and who will be a British citizen – rest on this vote. There are also a host of great British institutions – from the BBC and the National Lottery to the Met Office and our Olympic teams – who would have to be broken up in the event of independence.

“Independence would have far-reaching consequences. Some people will argue this is for the best but I maintain that Scotland is stronger and more secure as part of a United Kingdom and I will continue to make the positive case for this.

“That’s why I believe we must also guard against complacency. This ballot is not won and the outcome will not be decided until the last vote is cast. Everyone who has a vote should use it – and use it wisely.”

Mr Carmichael stressed that this was a once in a lifetime decision which was too important to be left to chance. And he took the chance to remind voters how they benefit from the UK Government locally, including the roll-out of superfast broadband and the £150m mobile infrastructure project. Supporting 30 businesses in Aberdeenshire.